Our history

Protecting and promoting the wonders of Frankincense.

gfa-1.jpeg
 

The idea of a setting up a global platform to protect and promote these trees was first raised at the 1st International Conference on Frankincense and Medicinal Plants in Muscat in 2018. A year later the World Congress of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (WOCMAP) in Cyprus held a special session dedicated to Frankincense and Myrrh. This brought together scientists, businessmen and activists from many parts of the world.

The delegates recommended creating a global platform devoted to the Boswellia and Commiphora as a focal point for the collection and dissemination of information on these two globally important genera.

The platform would include information on:

  • New Scientific discoveries

  • Trade patterns and market trends

  • Conservation needs

  • Industrial activity

  • New and evolving legislation

“It is against this background that the Global Frankincense Alliance, a non -profit making organisation was launched in early 2020.”
— GFA

Our Activities

  • Highlight

    • The scientific, commercial and cultural importance of frankincense and myrrh and the challenges faced by these trees and their harvesters

    • Information on tree status and populations, their forest environments, and the challenges they face.

    • Best practices on sustainable propagation and regeneration of the trees.

  • Promote

    • Greater national, regional, and international collaboration between business, academia, individuals, and organisations

    • The set-up of local grassroots trade and advocacy groups relating to species conservation and sustainable use

    • Research and development into novel value-added products with an emphasis on local manufacture.

    • Information on the status, pattern and volume of trade in these products globally

  • Disseminate

    • Improved methods of recording and tracking trade from trees to market.

    • Information on current and future legislation affecting these products nationally and internationally.

    • Help stakeholders improve harvesting and trade practices to ensure a sustainable long term future for the trees.